SHIN SHIN TOITSU AIKIDO - Ki Aikido

Autumn seminar at Prague

7.11. - 9.11.2025

Group photo of Saturday

Prag November 2025

Participants from Trebur, Nuremberg, Łódź, and Balerna attended this year's autumn seminar in Prague. Four of them are currently preparing for their 3rd Dan exam. Therefore, it made sense to practice some Tsuzukiwaza techniques for this level. But there was also something on offer for Jana (1st Dan) and Eva (1st Kyu).
So, on Friday evening, Bernhard began with Ki tests for the Den exams. He sees these tests as an aid to developing the coordination of mind and body. They should definitely be practiced often.

Tsuzukiwaza 22

Next came Tsuzukiwaza 22, Tantodori 2, from the second dan's program.

For the sixth technique, kaitennage, Bernhard recommended a tenshin-style execution. A strong irimi can be too aggressive, and Uke cannot be optimally controlled.

With the seventh technique, tsuki sakatemochi irimi, the sequence was improved. Uke's first tsuki is dynamically deflected, allowing Nage to let him pass and then position himself behind him. Uke turns and then attacks from above with tsuki sakate mochi. Nage can counter this action with a clear irimi.

In the eighth technique, Uke attacks from above with sakate mochi. Nage attempts to parry with irimi. Uke grabs Nage's coat by the shoulder and pulls him to deliver the final thrust. Nage can only parry this with the use of his free hand for a gokyo.

平常心是道

Michal had once again created beautiful calligraphy. Each participant was allowed to choose one to take home.
平常心是道 (jap: HEI JŌ SHIN ZE DŌ) is explained by the chinese master of Chan Buddhism Mazu Daoyi (jap. 馬祖道一, Baso Dōitsu; * 709; † 788) as follows:
"The ordinary mind is the right path".
We should not waste thoughts on birth and death. It is the discriminating mind that rejoices in life and fears death. We should not allow artificial thoughts (the mind with intention) or desires (the mind of aspirations). These thoughts obstruct the path. The way is to quiet these thoughts.
And what is the “ordinary mind” ?
It is a mind without artifice, that does nothing intentionally and exists without the categories of “right” and “wrong.” It is without attachment and aversion, and without the two extremes of annihilation and perseverance. It does not distinguish between ordinary people and sages. When all these discriminating thoughts disappear, the “ordinary mind” emerges, and that is the “way.”

Saturday morning

From 8 to 9 a.m., Michal led the traditional misogi.

Christian then took over with Kenkotaiso and stretching exercises. Bernhard had chosen Tsuzukiwaza 2, ushiro katatedori kubishime. For the third technique, koteoroshi I, he suggested a variation that offered some mental exercise. For sankyonage, he recommended lowering Uke properly by creating a good distance to Nage. For koteoroshi II, he preferred the long, flowing form to the overly direct irimi form. For shihonage, Michal explained how Uke should move to best protect himself.

Group photo

During a short break, tea, coffee, and extremely tasty pastries made by the Prague Aikidoka were served.

A group photo was also supposed to be taken. The camera was mounted somewhat precariously on a tripod, and Yvette, who did not participate in the training on the tatami, was supposed to press the shutter button. Somehow, though, it didn't work. Due to a lack of immediate verification, it wasn't until Monday in Balerna that it was discovered that not a single group photo had ended up on the camera's SD card.

Luckily, Karel had asked Yvette to also take a photo with his iPhone. This is shown above.

Jodori

In the remaining time before the lunch break, Christian and Michal explained the first two techniques of Tsuzukiwaza 24: jodori, yokomenuchi zenponage, and yokomenuchi shihonage.
The zenponage is more successful if the jo is continued with the correct rhythm. If Uke tries to avoid falling, there is another way to bring him to the ground.
For shihonage, the old form, in which Uke's hands holding the jo land behind his head, was found to be ineffective, as Uke could simply let go.

Lunch break

For lunch, we went to the Di Carlo restaurant in Šeberov again, as we have in recent years. This time we had a table upstairs. From there, we could easily observe the hustle and bustle in this large and popular restaurant.
A waiter was kind enough to take a group photo of all of us at the table.

Jodori continued

Some used the long lunch break to visit the extensive area of "Little Hanoi" (approx. 800 m x 300 m) right near the dojo.

Michal began the afternoon lesson with Jo Kenkotaiso and Jo Aikitaiso.

Afterwards, the first two techniques of Jodori were repeated, and the remaining five were studied intensively. All participants then demonstrated the techniques again. According to Bernhard, this was intended to encourage them to work with concentration and precision.

Tsuzukiwaza 19

To conclude the day, the first four techniques of Tsuzukiwaza 19 were practised: tsuki yokomenuchi hanmi, tsuki zenponage, tsuki kubikiri, and tsuki shomenuchi gyaku hanmi. Regarding kubikiri, the participants agreed that nage should go on the side of Uke's striking arm. The use of the hand to guide Uke's head was also discussed, specifically when Uke tends to be stubborn, doesn't respond to the ki from nage, and refuses to fall.
The lesson ended with Kenkotaiso, which was led by Eva.

Saturday evening

For dinner, the group went to the Podolka restaurant on the banks of the Vltava River. It was already quite dark, so the numerous strings of lights around the restaurant and along the river enhanced the scene beautifully. Hans-Jürgen and Volker's wives were also at the table. They were taking advantage of their husbands' participation in the seminar to enjoy Prague for several days, exploring its sights and culture.
The food and drinks were once again delicious. The variety was so extensive that ordering the same beer again resulted in getting a different type. Some even indulged extensively in the desserts.

Sunday morning

Sunday's training session started a quarter of an hour late. Most participants probably still had Saturday's start time in mind. Volker led the Kenkotaiso and showed some stretching variations.
Due to the lost time, Bernhard abandoned his plan to reveal all the secrets of Aikido and immediately continued the training with Tsuzukiwaza 19. This was followed by Tsuzukiwaza 9, tsuki & keri. If Uke doesn't raise his leg high enough during the last technique, mawashigeri jodan, it's advisable that Nage sits in seiza.

もみじ歌

Before the picnic on the mats, there was a cultural interlude. Michal played the Japanese autumn song "Momiji" (もみじ, Autumn Leaves) on the shakuhachi. The lyrics describe the beautiful colors of autumn leaves at sunset. Eva sang the lyrics in a bright, clear voice.
The sheet music shown here is for shakuhachi with guitar accompaniment. The lyrics are by Takano Tetsuyuki (1876-1947), and the melody is by Okano Teiichi (1878-1941), who also composed the well-known song "Furusato."
Various recordings, both as art songs and children's songs, can be found on YouTube by searching for "もみじ歌" or "Momiji."

Picnic on the tatami

The picnic on the mats was once again filled with many delicious treats prepared by the Aikidoka from Prague. After enjoying their meal, Bernhard, Yvette, and Dariusz said their goodbyes and headed home.
The remaining Aikidoka continued their training with Michal.

Sunday afternoon

Michal reports:
On Sunday afternoon, we practiced bokken with emphasize on extending KI. After some breathing and basic hand exercises we continued with techniques of happo giri tsuzukiwaza. When noticing some mistakes, we tried to improve together. Later each participant showed the happo giri movement solo and there were visible advances. Before the time run out, we spent few minutes with an effort to check our own body - ears, throat, teeth and eyes to make sure we stay fit for the incoming winter times. Finally, we calmed our mind and tried to strengthen our understanding by recalling and visualizing what we had practiced during the seminar.
After that, quickly change, move tatami and clean the room before everyone went home.

Conclusion

The autumn seminar in Prague in 2025 was once again a wonderful experience. It warms one's heart to meet some Aikido friends at least once a year. The small number of participants and the advanced levels of the Aikidoka on the tatami fostered a friendly exchange and mutual support during exercises and explanations. The excellent culinary offerings, whether prepared by participants themselves or eaten in restaurants, and the cultural interludes are also fantastic features that make the trip to Prague always worthwhile.
This year, there is still a seminar in Liège from November 29th to 30th, 2025. For next year seminars are already scheduled in Vienna in January, in Balerna on March 21st, 2026, and in Hechingen from May 8th to 10th, 2026.

More Photos

Photos and videos: Karel, Yvette